Saudi Arabia and Iran have been fighting for influence in their region for years. Under strict secrecy, China has now brokered a rapprochement between the rivals.
In another sign of rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the foreign ministers of the two rival countries, Hussein Amirabdollahian and Faisal bin Farhan, met in Beijing. This was reported by Chinese state television. The gathering was the first of its kind in more than seven years. Behind the scenes, China had mediated a fresh start between the two opponents.
As part of their rapprochement, Saudi Arabia and Iran also want to offer flights between the two countries again. The foreign ministers signed a declaration to this effect after the meeting. A time frame for the resumption of flight connections did not emerge from this. Both countries also want to make it easier for the citizens of the other country to issue visas, including for Iranian pilgrimages to Mecca. No details were given about this project either. Travel to the city, which is holy for Muslims, was also possible for Iranian citizens beforehand.
Riyadh and Tehran want to talk about their differences in dialogue
Both countries also announced in their joint statement that they would reopen their embassies and establish trade relations. Riyadh and Tehran are also planning cooperation on security issues and investments, among other things.
Both foreign ministers also invited each other to visit each other in order to hold further talks. According to Iranian sources, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman had already invited Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi to a state visit in March.
China’s mediation between Riyadh and Tehran contributes to the security and stability of the region, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. Beijing is “a force for reconciliation, peace and harmony in the Middle East”.
Tehran and Riyadh surprisingly announced last month that they wanted to resume diplomatic relations. The meeting of foreign ministers was announced as the first step. The ministers now met in strict secrecy. Riyadh and Tehran want to settle their differences through dialogue and reopen embassies within two months, according to a meeting of high-ranking government officials from both countries in Beijing in March.
Israel’s opposition had sharply criticized the rapprochement. Israel is Iran’s archenemy and has long been trying to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, including building a coalition against Tehran. Iran has challenged Israel’s right to exist since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran have not maintained diplomatic relations in recent years. Both countries are struggling for political and military influence in the region. A rapprochement of rivals could lead to major upheavals, including in civil war-torn Yemen, where countries support different sides.
Over the past year, both sides have cautiously approached each other at the diplomatic level. Several rounds of talks were held in Iraq with Iranian and Saudi officials, mostly on security issues.
Contacts with Tehran ended in January 2016
Iran and Saudi Arabia are both dependent on oil exports. Competition in the energy market had also contributed to their rivalry. Due to international sanctions because of its controversial nuclear program, however, Iran is largely excluded from the market.
Riyadh cut official ties with Tehran in January 2016 in response to an attack by Iranian protesters on the Saudi embassy in Iran. The protests were triggered by the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
